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As you may recall Chrysler Corp loaned us a Durango in March of ’98, and to our surprise, another one in late September. This time it was loaded, complete with a 5.9 litre Magnum V8 and limited slip rear diff. Day-1, during an "ORE" beginner class, we again had trouble engaging low-range, three times it popped out of gear. |
 Our first Durango (Fire Red) gave us some trouble, neither High or Low-Range would stay engaged. Here it tackles the Jumbo Grade (west of Virginia City, NV). |
| But as the saying goes, third time is the charm; it gave us no further problems. Approach angle leaves little to be desired, the front overhang being far too great, and the independent suspension just compounds the problem. Departure angles are reduced due to the under-body spare tire, thus be aware. Then there was the fire… Arriving at an old mine we noticed smoke coming from the fender wells. With that we opened the hood, nothing found, that is until we looked under the car. |
 Rich Julian spots the Durango into School Bus wash, note right-rear wheel lifting off ground as axle articulation is maxed out. Read more on Ritch Julian's and Rob Whitaker's Durango review |
| Seems Dodge has fitted a stamped-angle cross-member at the rear of the engine, it’s edges pointed upwards. A fantastic mower, cutting off weeds and sagebrush as it passes over, here lies the problem, the debris collects in the cross-member, where the hot exhaust pipe begins smoldering it. As we attempted to clear the brush it burst into flames! As quickly as it ignited we had it out. We’ve reported this to Dodge. |
 Bret
Morshead gets tricky… by driving with two feet and holding the lever
into Low-Range he gets the Durango up the "Rock-Wall"… at
least the first part, then the transfer would no longer stay engaged. |
| I wouldn’t want to be the Durango owner who receives a bill for putting out a range fire. You would be held liable; we confirmed it with the BLM and Forest Service. Other than that, the Durango performed well during the week we had it. I loved the grunt the big V8 offered, low-range first gear offers excellent engine braking (unlike the new Nissan & Explorer), and its aggressive look is appealing. |
 Our second Durango was fitted with the 5.9 Litre V8 and would flat haul on slimy roads such as these. |
| I wasn’t happy that is still had a column shifter, I despise the independent front suspension and leaf springs out back(?). And lastly, when the rear seats are folded down the center seat armrest is still in place, go figure. Would I buy one? As a former and current Dodge owner (Ram Van), No, I would not. It’s just not suitable for what I do. It is however a great winter road car and I did enjoy driving it. Sorry Dodge. It should be said that… When we test a 4WD SUV, we test it, both on and off the road. And unlike those magazines that have to watch what they say in order to keep advertising dollars, we don’t. ORE"s John Gulliford enjoyed driving it off-road for two days, and was somewhat impressed with it manners, but one must remember… "Use it within its limitations and it’ll do just fine". |
